THAAD Arrives on the Korean Peninsula

Reacting to the latest series of North Korean missile launches, the US Defense department on Monday airlifted the initial elements of the THAAD air-defense missile to South Korea. (DoD photo)

YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea --- U.S. Forces Korea continued its progress in fulfilling the Republic of Korea (ROK) – U.S. Alliance decision to install a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) on the Korean Peninsula as the first elements of the THAAD system arrived in the ROK.

North Korea’s repeated nuclear and ballistic missile tests have underscored the importance of the Alliance decision to deploy THAAD. Work continues to operationalize THAAD as quickly as possible.

“The timely deployment of the THAAD system by U.S. Pacific Command and the Secretary of Defense gives my command great confidence in the support we will receive when we ask for reinforcement or advanced capabilities,” said Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, U.S. Forces Korea commander.

THAAD is a missile defense system aimed solely at defending the ROK against North Korea missiles. THAAD is strictly a defensive system.

A THAAD system will enhance Alliance missile defense capabilities and add to a layered missile defense against North Korean missile threats.